2026-27 Montreal Canadiens Top Prospects

Pat Quinn
Dobber Prospects
Aug. 25th, 2026
Steven Ellis
Daily Faceoff
July 27th, 2026
McKeen’s Hockey
May 11th, 2026
Scott Wheeler
The Athletic
Apr. 1st, 2026
1 Michael Hage (C) Michael Hage (C) Jacob Fowler (G) Jacob Fowler (G)
2 Alexander Zharovsky (RW) Jacob Fowler (G) Michael Hage (C) Michael Hage (C)
3 Jacob Fowler (G) Alexander Zharovsky (RW) Alexander Zharovsky (RW/LW) Alexander Zharovsky (RW/LW)
4 David Reinbacher (RHD) David Reinbacher (RHD) David Reinbacher (RHD) David Reinbacher (RHD)
5 Gleb Pugachyov (RW) Gleb Pugachyov (RW) Adam Engström (LHD) Bryce Pickford (RHD)
6 L.J. Mooney (RW) Adam Engström (LHD) Owen Beck (C) Adam Engström (LHD)
7 Bryce Pickford (RHD) Bryce Pickford (RHD) Bryce Pickford (RHD) Owen Beck (C)
8 Adam Engström (LHD) Owen Beck (C) Florian Xhekaj (LW) L.J. Mooney (C/RW)
9 Owen Beck (C) L.J. Mooney (RW) Joshua Roy (RW) Joshua Roy (RW/LW)
10 Florian Xhekaj (LW) Timofei Runtso (RHD) Bogdan Konyushkov (RHD) Florian Xhekaj (LW)

** Different sites can use different criteria for determining who is still a prospect. Also, for Dobber Prospect lists they take a fantasy hockey approach – prospects whose current trajectory projects them making the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL.

Michael Hage – His game revolves around high-end skating, puck control, and offensive creativity. Hage attacks defenders with confidence, drives play through the neutral zone, and has the vision to create scoring opportunities for teammates while also possessing a dangerous shot. What has impressed scouts most is how quickly his two-way game has developed. He is becoming more reliable defensively without sacrificing offense.

Jacob Fowler – His game is built around elite positioning, exceptional puck tracking, and remarkable composure. He rarely overreacts to plays and consistently makes difficult saves look routine. Unlike some athletic goaltenders who rely heavily on reflexes, Fowler’s greatest strength is his ability to read plays before they develop. Scouts love his mental game, work ethic, and consistency.

Alexander Zharovsky – Drafted in 2025 out of Russia, he immediately attracted attention because of his skill level and offensive creativity. Zharovsky is a dynamic winger who thrives with the puck on his stick. His hands, vision, and ability to make plays in tight spaces are all high-end. He can beat defenders one-on-one and create scoring chances that few players attempt.

David Reinbacher – He is a smart, mobile defenseman who excels at controlling gaps, breaking up plays, and transitioning the puck efficiently. His hockey sense is exceptional, allowing him to make quick reads under pressure and consistently put himself in good defensive positions. While some fans expected more offensive production, NHL scouts continue to view him as a future top-pair defenseman because of his reliability in all situations.

Adam Engstrom – After developing in Sweden and transitioning to North American hockey, he has steadily improved his standing within the organization. Engström is an excellent skater who moves the puck efficiently and supports the attack well from the back end. His mobility allows him to escape pressure and join the rush without compromising his defensive responsibilities. While he may not possess Reinbacher’s overall ceiling, his offensive instincts and skating ability give him a realistic chance of becoming an NHL regular.

2026 Montreal Canadiens Draft Picks

Round No. Player Pos. Team Ht. Wt.
1 26 Gleb Pugachyov RW Nizhny Novgorod (MHL) 6′ 3″ 224
2 57 Timofei Runtso RHD Victoria (WHL) 6′ 3″ 194
3 93 Cooper Cleaves D Dartmouth (ECAC) 6′ 3″ 203
4 117 Brayden Klimpke D Saskatoon (WHL) 6′ 0″ 174
6 189 Parker Trottier LW USNTDP U18 6′ 1″ 186
6 190 Wesley Royston RW Owen Sound (OHL) 6′ 4″ 186
7 221 Jean-Samuel Daigneault D Muskegon (USHL) 6′ 3″ 194
7 224 Tyler Deakos RW Waterloo (USHL) 6′ 1″ 175

 

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2026-27 Critical Dates

Sept. 19: Preseason games begin.
Sept. 29: Regular Season Opening Night (FLA at CAR)
Oct. 13: All 32 teams play
Oct. 25: NHL Heritage Classic (MTL vs. WPG) Nov. & 14: NHL Global Series in Helsinki, Finland (CAR and SEA)
Dec. 18 & 20: NHL Global Series in Germany (OTT and CHI)
Dec. 31: NHL Winter Classic (COL vs. UTA)